The prevalence of online betting, making it easier than ever to gamble from anywhere at any time, has led to a rise in compulsive gambling. Like drugs and alcohol, compulsive gambling is an addiction that should be treated. This gambling disorder is an uncontrollable urge to keep gambling, regardless of its toll financially and mentally on your life. Now having gambling outlets at our fingertips through online betting, those struggling with a gambling addiction are finding it easier than ever to give in to this compulsion.
From its availability 24/7 to being able to bet from the comfort of your home, we are now seeing an even greater number of people suffering from gambling addiction because of this easy online access. Each day online gambling platforms are enticing gamblers to partake. A compulsive gambler will have trouble stopping, despite the guilt and financial problems that often go hand in hand with out-of-control online betting.
Signs of an Online Gambling Addiction
Online betting has not only made it more accessible for those struggling with gambling addition, but it has also made it easier to hide this addictive behavior. Signs that you or a loved one may be struggling with this addiction include cravings to gamble online, followed by periods of anger when not able to fill this compulsion. Spending large amounts of money on gambling, regardless of financial insecurity, is also a big indicator of a problem. A gambling addiction can also exacerbate other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
What Causes a Gambling Addiction
Online gambling can offer a quick release of endorphins and dopamine, the ‘feel good’ chemicals produced by your brain. To experience these pleasure emotions, gambling addicts will continue to bet online to recapture these feelings. Another reason that uncontrolled and compulsive online betting occurs is to deal with daily stressors and mental health problems. A higher rate of depression and anxiety has been found in online gamblers, indicating that this has become an outlet to deal with these complex emotions in an unhealthy way.
Widespread societal acceptance of online betting has also played a factor in this rising addiction. The constant exposure to this type of gambling has made this widely accepted. It has also made those who are more susceptible to a gambling addiction even more prone to having this become a compulsive need.
Treating Compulsive Gambling When Online Betting Is So Easily Accessible
The most effective treatment for compulsive gambling is to find a professional experienced in gambling addiction to help. By working with a therapist and an addiction specialist, those struggling with a gambling addiction can find help, reclaiming their lives. Since online betting is so easy to access, the gambling addict will need to develop tools and strategies to combat this urge. A therapist can help them find the patterns that lead to online gambling, making changes in their life and building a support system to help resist this urge.
